It didn’t seemingly matter that volleyball juggernaut Colorado Springs Christian was playing in its fourth consecutive state title match and that Classical Academy was under the bright lights at the Denver Coliseum for the first time.
Both teams played well in a Class 3A finale that went four games at the historic venue.
The difference was Colorado Springs Christian sophomore Morgan Broekhuis, who was tremendous in all areas to lead the Lions to their fourth straight 3A title. The 6-foot-4 Broekhuis had 17 kills and 20 assists in CSC’s 22-25, 25-21, 25-11, 25-23 victory that gave the Lions a 3-2 edge in five meetings between the Tri-Peaks League rivals this year.
“I’ve known Morgan for a while,” Classical Academy coach Lori Alejo said. “We know all about her, and we know that she’s probably the best hitter in the state right now.”
The Lions, seeded sixth among eight state teams, finished 23-7, including 5-0 at the Coliseum. They played their best when it counted the most.
“Lots of injuries, lots of problems this year,” Broekhuis said. “But being the underdog at state was great. People might have overlooked us. We came in here with nothing to lose, everything to gain. We just wanted to have fun, and we did.”
CSC’s Bethany Beck, who had 20 kills, is one of just two seniors in a program that will be expected to win one for the thumb next season.
“I would have never betted on us (repeating),” said Lions coach Mike Broekhuis, who is Morgan’s father. “We lost five seniors, three that are playing Division I, and Morgan, as a freshman, was the only returning player that played a lot. I think the big thing is that these young kids held up emotionally.”
Classical Academy, seeded third, ended 26-7 after going 3-2 at state. Both losses were to the Lions, who beat the Titans in five games Friday.
“We’re a new school and we’ve only had a couple of senior classes, so to go from last in our league four years ago to this is awesome,” Alejo said. “Yes, we’re disappointed but excited to come back next year. They gave everything they could tonight.”
After losing the first game, the Lions roared back from a 6-1 deficit in the second game, and they breezed in the third after jumping ahead 18-9.
It appeared Classical Academy was going to force a fifth game, leading 22-18 in the fourth, but the Lions won the seven of the final nine points to end it.
Three of the Titans’ top players – junior outside hitters Kerri Taylor and Lindsay Thayer and setter Lauren Alejo – figure to get the program back to state next year.
CLASS 3A ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Bethany Beck, C.S. Christian, Sr.
Lydia Blaha, Classical Academy, Sr.
Morgan Broekhuis, C.S. Christian, So.
Jessica Giltner, Holy Family, Sr.
Kerri Taylor, Classical Academy, Jr.
Megan Velasquez, Roosevelt, So.
MVP: Morgan Broekhuis
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
